You know what they say about the shoemaker's children never having proper shoes? That was me this week, walking down Portland's Congress Street with nine-degree winds howling around my hatless head. I was away from home and I had no hat.

Clearly, this had to be rectified. As I scrolled through my mental list of suitably warm, bulky wools, my yarndar went off. I was standing just a skein's throw from Pam Allen's office—the one from which she runs her Quince & Co. empire. A quick call and elevator ride later, I was walking away with a skein of Puffin and a plan.

I offer the results as my New Year's gift to you—an extremely simple, fast-knitting hat that will ensure the shoemaker never goes shoeless again. It is fittingly called the Shoemaker's Hat. It's yours to download for free until January 15th, and I hope you enjoy it.

Heifer Fundraiser
The numbers are in for this year's Heifer International fundraiser, and you have reason to be proud. Together, we've contributed $5,850 toward this worthy organization and the betterment of people and communities around the world. Thank you.

In the Forums: Resolutions?
Are there any resolutions you've made about your knitting this year? Plan to conquer Kitchener, cut your first steek, or perhaps knit from the stash until things feel more under control? Put your goals out there and we'll support you in meeting them.